An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” available on Amazon

James Jeffcoat was born in Caryville, Florida, but grew up in Pensacola. As a young man, he was a champion boxer in the Golden Gloves program. In 1941, he joined the U. S. Army and was sent overseas. He spent 46 months in the European Theatre, including storming the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. After the war, he immediately joined the Pensacola Police force in 1946. He served as a patrolman for five years, being promoted to sergeant in 1951. On April 25, 1961, he began his job as a detective. 

On Friday morning, March 22, 1968, Detective Jeffcoat arrived at work as usual, and, as usual, faced a busy workload. He went to work in his office at the police station. Around 3 PM, he collapsed on the table in the detective’s meeting room. His fellow officers immediately called for an ambulance and together, they carried him downstairs where they were met by emergency workers. Detective Jeffcoat was pronounced dead on his arrival at Sacred Heart Hospital.

James was survived by his wife and two daughters. They lived on Springhill Drive in Pensacola and attended First Methodist Church where the funeral was held on March 24, 1968.  He is buried in St. John’s cemetery.

Rest in Peace, Sergeant.